Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France) Helicopters

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 69 (Monday, April 11, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21259-21261]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07983]



[[Page 21259]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0333; Directorate Identifier 2013-SW-025-AD; 
Amendment 39-18474; AD 2016-07-29]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously 
Eurocopter France) Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus 
Helicopters Model EC225LP, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 
helicopters. This AD requires inspecting each TECALEMIT flexible 
hydraulic hose (hose) installed in the main gearbox (MGB) compartment 
and replacing the hose if a crack, cut, or other damage exists. This AD 
was prompted by reports about the loss of in-flight hydraulic pressure 
on Eurocopter France helicopters. The actions of this AD are intended 
to prevent loss of the hydraulic system and consequently, loss of 
helicopter control.

DATES: This AD is effective May 16, 2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, 
TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax (972) 641-
3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You may review 
the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket Operations Office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD, the economic evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office 
(phone: 800-647-5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations Office, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On June 2, 2014, at 79 FR 31229, the Federal Register published our 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Airbus Helicopters 
(previously Eurocopter France) Model EC225LP, AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, 
and AS332L2 helicopters with a TECALEMIT MGB hose installed.
    The NPRM proposed to require repetitively inspecting each hose 
installed in the MGB compartment and replacing the hose before further 
flight if a crack, cut, or other damage exists that allows you to see 
the metal braid underneath. If a crack, cut, or other damage exists on 
the right-hand hydraulic system that does not allow you to see the 
metal braid underneath, the NPRM proposed replacing the hose within 300 
hours TIS. If a crack, cut, or other damage exists on the left-hand 
hydraulic system that does not allow you to see the metal braid 
underneath, the NPRM proposed replacing the hose within 600 hours TIS. 
The proposed requirements were intended to prevent failure of a hose, 
which could result in loss of the hydraulic system and consequently, 
loss of helicopter control.
    The NPRM was prompted by AD No. 2013-0069, dated March 18, 2013, 
issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of 
the European Union, to correct an unsafe condition for Eurocopter (now 
Airbus Helicopters) Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2, 
and EC225LP helicopters. EASA advises that in-flight losses of 
hydraulic pressure were reported on these helicopters because of 
``significant'' tears on the protection sheath of MGB hydraulic 
flexible ``pipes'' manufactured by TECALEMIT. This condition could lead 
to simultaneous left-hand and right-hand hydraulic system leakage, loss 
of the hydraulic system, and consequently, loss of helicopter control 
could occur, EASA advises.
    The NPRM incorrectly stated that the Model AS332C1 helicopter did 
not have an FAA type certificate. We plan additional rulemaking to 
supersede this AD to include the Model AS332C1 helicopter.

Comments

    After our NPRM (79 FR 31229, June 2, 2014) was published, we 
received comments from one commenter.

Request

    Airbus Helicopters noted that the proposed AD does not mention 
Airbus Helicopters service information specifying installation of non-
TECALEMIT hoses, which it considers terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections of the hoses. Airbus Helicopters requested that 
the AD reflect that action. We agree with the comment but disagree that 
a change to the AD is necessary. Because the AD is only applicable if a 
TECALEMIT hose is installed, replacing the hose as described by Airbus 
Helicopters in its comment would serve as ``terminating action'' for 
the required inspections. If a non-TECALEMIT hose is installed, the AD 
does not apply.
    Airbus Helicopters stated that the proposed AD would require that a 
damaged hose sheath on right-hand hydraulic system be replaced within 
300 hours time-in-service (TIS) and a damaged hose sheath on the left-
hand system be replaced within 600 hours TIS. Airbus Helicopters 
requested that we change these proposed requirements to replacing the 
hose within 300 hours TIS if the hose sheath is damaged on both the 
right- and left-hand system and replacing the hose within 600 hours TIS 
if the hose sheath is damaged on only one side. We do not agree. The 
right-hand hose is subject to higher pressure and therefore we 
determined more stringent requirements for the right-hand hose are 
necessary than for the left-hand hose.
    Lastly, Airbus Helicopters requested that we extend the repetitive 
inspection to every 1,200 hours TIS after the initial inspection at 110 
hours TIS. When asked for additional information, Airbus Helicopters 
stated that no discrepancies have been found as a result of the 
inspections on its EC225 fleet, and that most of its AS332 fleet that 
are operating have complied with the service information. We disagree. 
Airbus Helicopters provided no support for its position that the hoses 
perform safely for 1,200 hours TIS after the initial inspection. 
Because the root cause of the cracking is unknown, we have determined 
that inspecting the hoses every 110 hours TIS is necessary.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
our bilateral

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agreement with France, EASA, its technical representative, has notified 
us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD. We are issuing 
this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA, reviewed 
the relevant information, considered the comments received, and 
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other helicopters of these same type designs and that air 
safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as 
proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the EASA AD

    The EASA AD requires a one-time inspection, while this AD requires 
that the inspection of the hoses be repeated every 110 hours TIS. The 
EASA AD requires that if severe damage is found in a hose on the right-
hand hydraulic system, then the hose be replaced before the next 
flight, while this AD requires this regardless of whether the hose is 
on the right-hand or left-hand hydraulic system. EASA has set some 
compliance times based on months. We set compliance times based only on 
hours TIS.

Related Service Information

    Eurocopter issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. EC225-05-027, Revision 
1, dated July 17, 2013, for Model EC225LP helicopters and SB No. AS332-
05.00.92, Revision 1, dated July 17, 2013, for Model AS332C, AS332C1, 
AS332L, AS332L1, AS332L2 and military Model AS332B, AS332B1, AS332F1, 
AS332M and AS332M1 helicopters. The SBs state Eurocopter received a 
report concerning the loss of pressure in the left hand hydraulic 
system in-flight. Hydraulic fluid was found in the cabin, though the 
flight was completed without further incident. An examination of the 
hydraulic system showed that the hose located between the forward 
servo-control and the hydraulic manifold had burst. Further 
investigations have shown corrosion on the metal braid located under 
the fire-resistant sheath of hoses manufactured by TECALEMIT. The 
corrosion may be caused by the deterioration or gaping of the fire-
resistant sheath at the hose ends, enabling humidity to enter between 
the sheath and the metal braid. As a result, SB No. EC225-05-027 and SB 
No. AS332-05.00.92 call for inspecting each hose for a notch, tear, 
crack, or scuff mark, and replacing any damaged hose.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 19 helicopters of U.S. Registry 
and that labor costs average $85 a work-hour. Based on these estimates, 
we expect the following costs:
    <bullet> Inspecting the hoses installed in a MGB compartment 
requires 1.5 work-hours for a labor cost of about $128 per helicopter, 
$2,432 for the U.S. fleet.
    <bullet> Replacing a hose requires 2.5 work-hours for a labor cost 
of about $213. Parts cost $2,000 for a total cost of $2,213 per 
helicopter.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on helicopters identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply 
with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-07-29 Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France): 
Amendment 39-18474; Docket No. FAA-2014-0333; Directorate Identifier 
2013-SW-025-AD.

(a) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC225LP, AS332C, 
AS332L, AS332L1, and AS332L2 helicopters with a TECALEMIT main gear 
box (MGB) hydraulic flexible hose (hose) installed, certificated in 
any category.

(b) Unsafe Condition

    This AD defines the unsafe condition as loss of hydraulic 
pressure because of the failure of a hose. This condition could 
result in loss of the hydraulic system and consequently, loss of 
helicopter control.

(c) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 16, 2016.

(d) Compliance

    You are responsible for performing each action required by this 
AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been 
accomplished prior to that time.

(e) Required Actions

    (1) Within 110 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 110 hours TIS, visually inspect each 
TECALEMIT hose installed in the MGB compartment for a cut, crack, or 
other damage.
    (2) If there is a cut, crack, or any other damage in the hose 
sheath that allows you to see the metal braid underneath when 
pinching or twisting the sheath, replace the hose before further 
flight.
    (3) If there is a cut, crack, or any other damage in the hose 
sheath on the right hand hydraulic system that does not allow you to 
see the metal braid underneath, replace the hose within 300 hours 
TIS.
    (4) If there is a cut, crack, or any other damage in the hose 
sheath on the left hand hydraulic system that does not allow you to 
see the metal braid underneath, replace the hose within 600 hours 
TIS.

(f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs 
for this AD. Send your proposal to: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 
10101

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Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].
    (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating 
certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you 
notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office or 
certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft 
complying with this AD through an AMOC.

(g) Additional Information

    (1) Eurocopter Service Bulletin (SB) No. EC225-05-027 and SB No. 
AS332-05.00.92, both Revision 1 and dated July 17, 2013; Eurocopter 
SB No. AS332-29.00.17 and SB No. EC225-29-005, both Revision 0 and 
both dated June 21, 2013; and Eurocopter Information Notice No. 
2506-I-29, Revision 2, dated July 24, 2013; which are not 
incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the 
subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, 
contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand 
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641-0000 or (800) 232-0323; fax 
(972) 641-3775; or at http://www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. You 
may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy, Room 
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
    (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2013-0069, dated March 18, 2013. You may 
view the EASA AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov in 
Docket No. FAA-2014-0333.

(h) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2910, Main 
Hydraulic System.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 31, 2016.
James A. Grigg,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-07983 Filed 4-8-16; 8:45 am]
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